Understanding the Effort to Provide Energy Makes for a Better Utility Customer

One thought always present in my mind during power outages is the electrical utility linemen who are working long days, often in extreme weather conditions, to get the power back on. They possess a level of dedication and commitment that goes beyond the ordinary. When the lines go down the electrical workers step up and work heroically until everyone has power again. I for one salute them all for that effort.

I enjoy the fact that I have my own PV system power when the utility power fails, but then there is the daily chore of checking and maintaining the energy storage system and backup generator. I’m always relieved when the utility power returns. I know how time-consuming it can be to generate and maintain electrical power even for one home and business.

Those like me, who own grid-connected PV systems with energy storage, have a slightly different perspective about energy. The PV system with energy storage is a luxury that is rarely used because power outages are rare in most parts of the U.S. When the grid goes down for several days, the true time and commitment cost of energy becomes obvious, especially if cloud cover blocks the sun.

People with PV systems who live off-grid know the time and commitment required every day. The daily chores include a fair amount of attention to maintaining the energy source(s) such as their PV system, energy storage and/or backup generator.

Then there are those who own a fuel generator as a backup source of power. If the power is off for a week, they face the same problem as the person with the PV system with energy storage. The exception is that they do not have the high upfront cost; most of their cost comes from the fuel necessary to keep that generator running and it does get expensive in the long term.

People who own a PV system without energy storage have their own perspective; they produce their own energy but only when the grid is up and within the limits of the utility interconnection agreement. They have no independence regarding energy, but they do appreciate the demands of generating it. When the grid goes down, they are totally dependent on the utility personnel to bring power back online.

Finally, those who have no self-generation sources are basically in the same boat as those with an interactive PV system but generally have less understanding about the true time and commitment costs of energy generation.

People with their own backup energy systems often have a better understanding and appreciation for the true “costs” of energy. I fall into the category of those who own PV systems with energy storage and I also possess a fuel generator to back up the solar. I prefer not to run the generator for several reasons but I’m glad to have it when the power is out and cloud cover blocks the sun for several days.

I am in the solar energy industry, and a staunch solar energy advocate, but I have the highest respect for electrical utility companies and especially for the linemen who push themselves to their limits for us during power outages caused by the vast and uncontrollable power of nature.

Kelly Provence
Certified Master PV Trainer
SOLAIRGEN
School of Solar Training
ww.solairgen.com